Got a campaign sign? Know the rules

Created on Wednesday, 13 April 2016 | Written by (none) |

The Oregon Department of Transportation would like to remind candidates in the May 17 primary elections of the rules concerning campaign signs.

According to a release distributed last week political signs may not be posted in the public right-of-way of state thoroughfares such as Highway 99W, Highway 219 and Highway 240 in and about Newberg. In addition, ODOT officials said, there are restrictions on signs placed on private property visible from state highways.

No signs except official traffic control devices are allowed in the state highway right-of-way, including on trees, utility poles and fence posts within the highway right-of-way, the release said. Improperly placed signs, including political signs, may be removed by the local ODOT district maintenance office.

Temporary signs, including political displays, are allowed on private property within view of state highways, with several restrictions: the sign is limited to 12 square feet; no flashing or intermittent lights attached, nor animated or moving parts are allowed; signs must not imitate an official highway sign or device; and signs are not allowed in scenic areas.

Newberg codes designate the public right-of-way to include streets, planter strips and sidewalks. Signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way, except in the downtown C-3 district. Signs found to be illegally posted on the public right-of-way can be confiscated, City Attorney Truman Stone said.

For more information on ODOTs sign rules, visit the agencys website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/ SIGNPROGRAM/Pages/index.aspx.

For questions about signs within Newberg, call the citys planning division at 503-537-1240.